by Tamara Igleheart
— Photojournalist —
The Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, CA, March 25, 2022
Scores of Despair Faction members gathered at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA for two sold-out AFI shows on Friday, March 25, and Saturday, March 26, 2022. On Friday, lines stretched around the building as fans waited to enter the venue and experience the first date of the Bodies tour. The Hollywood double feature was the first set of concerts AFI played since 2019, and it was apparent from their performance that they yearned to get back on stage, back to what they love.
“Through our bleeding… we are one!” The chant rang throughout the auditorium as the lights went down, and the room was enveloped in darkness. One by one, the members of AFI ran out onto the stage and played the remainder of the first song of their set, “Strength Through Wounding.” It’s hard to believe that the band has been around for 30 years, as they all have the energy and charisma of bands fresh on the music scene. Of note is lead singer Davey Havok’s exuberance; he had no issues running from one side of the stage to the other, and jumping off of the stage risers whenever he could. They played a balanced set of songs from each of their greatest albums, including Sing the Sorrow, which was the release that put them on the mainstream radar. Though AFI’s sound has changed over the years, the one thing that hasn’t is the support of their hardcore, ride or die fans. The crowd sang along to every song, and got rowdy and broke out into mosh pits. It was safe to say that the first date of the tour was a raving success.
The Bodies tour will resume in the fall of 2022, and it is not one to miss! AFI still puts on one hell of a show, so get your tickets before they sell out!
Concert Photo Gallery
